Throwing error helps Bandits to 6-2 win

Rockford to play doubleheader on Friday

ROSCOE, Ill. – When you’re rolling as the Chicago Bandits are there it will take a lot to slow them down, and the Thunder was not able to do so on Thursday night as they lost to Chicago by a final score of 6-2.

Rockford (9-8) looked to have all of the momentum for the first three innings, but they left six runners on bases, included the bases loaded in the first inning and couldn’t manage an early run against Chicago pitcher Eileen Canney.

The Bandits (17-4) capitalized on a two-out error and a missed call at first base to score its first two runs of the game to make the score 2-0.After allowing back-to-back singles in the fourth inning Thunder pitcher Allison Kime got the next two hitters out on groundouts.Kristy Fox stepped to the plate and appeared to hit an inning ending ground ball to third base, but Shanna Diller double-clutched and threw the ball away allowing the runs it would need to come in to score.

On the next play Thunder shortstop Chelsea Spencer made a diving play and appeared to throw out Jamie Schloredt at first base, but the first base umpire called her safe allowing the inning to continue.

Chicago added three more runs in the top of the fifth inning by connecting on five consecutive hits, including a two-RBI single by Samantha Findlay and an RBI double by Stacey May.Rachel Folden and Tammy Williams each had two hits in the game and Findlay recorded three singles.

The Bandits would score one more time in the game when pinch-hitter Cheyenne Jenks worked out a bases loaded walk to drive in Amber Patton.

The Thunder pushed two runs across the plate in the bottom of the sixth inning.Diller launched a double off of the left-centerfield wall to start the inning and would eventually come in to score on a wild pitch.Laurie Wagner scored the second run of the inning after she reached base on a Williams error.

Diller and Shannon Nord each collected two of the Thunder’s eight hits in the game.

Canney wasn’t at her best in the game, but she was good enough to improve her record to 6-0 on the season.The Northwestern graduate went the distance, allowing eight hits and striking out six to pick up the win.

Kime, who also took the loss in game one of the series on Tuesday lasted just four innings and allowed five runs to come in to score on nine hits.Only three of the runs scored against Kime (2-4) were earned.For the second consecutive game Cassidy Scoggins relieved Kime.She threw the final three innings and allowed the single run in the sixth.

The same two teams will be back in action tomorrow night for a doubleheader with the first pitch scheduled for 5:05 p.m.Game two of the doubleheader will begin at approximately 7:35 p.m.In game two, the Thunder will be supporting breast cancer and will do several promotions, including giveaways, silent auctions and more.Tickets for the doubleheader are just $7 for general admission and $10 for bleachers.

The Thunder will send Samantha Sheeley to the mound in game one and Megan Brown in game two.

For more information on the Thunder or to purchase tickets contact the Thunder at (815) 965-7000.Additional information can also be obtained on the Thunder website at www.thunderprofastpitch.com.

GAME NOTES – The Thunder will participate in its second round of the Battle of the Bats competition in between games of tomorrow’s doubleheader with Chicago…Saturday’s game time with the Bandits has been pushed back to 7:05 p.m. to accommodate the tournament being played at Thunder Park…Saturday is also Bark in the Park Night and fans can bring their dogs into the game for just $3.